Bead Fest and Demonstrations at ArtWorks

ArtWorks Gallery will be having a "Bead Fest" event and jewelry demonstrations during First Thursday in May 7th, 2009 in Downtown Muncie. This event is free and a must for anyone who has a fascination for bead making and fine handcrafted jewelry!

Featured guest artists for May will be Camille Richard, Lori Smith, and Mary Van Hoy from Indianapolis. Featured artist from the previous year, Fran Carrico, from Pendleton, will be exhibiting her new glass bead jewelry designs as well. These ladies are lampwork artists or “wound glass beadmakers”. The technique of winding glass around a metal rod to create beads dates back to the pharonic era Egypt.

Camille, Lori, Mary and Fran are members of ISLAGA, an Indiana organization of glass artists. They have spent many hours in their studios and have studied lampworking techniques under internationally renowned glass bead artists. The endless possibilities of glass bead techniques allow each of the artists to develop their own special “signature” bead designs. They will be demonstrating the art of wound glass beads using a “Hothead” torch from 5:00 to 7:30 pm on May 7th only.

Camille Richard has been lampworking for 10 years. “Her earthy and organic beads are inspired by her travels and nature. “I am fascinated that the same basic techniques have been used for thousands of years.“.

Lori Smith has been lampworking for 5 years. Lori states, “I’m especially drawn to ethereal looks and cool pastels.”. Lori never thought that she would be creating jewelry too and remarks, “I like the way it makes my beads pop!

Mary Van Hoy works and teaches lampworking in her studio at Merry-go-round Stain Glass in Indianapolis. Mary and her brother both create and design custom stain glass pieces. Mary attended college in Florida and became intrigued by the sea and marine life.
She credits her glass bead fish obsession with having to live for so many years in the “landlocked Mid-West”.

The “Art of the Bead” Exhibit will remain in the gallery for the entire month of May. ArtWorks gallery artists will also be giving bead and jewelry demonstrations from 5:00 to 7:30 pm during First Thursday Muncie Downtown Gallery Walk on May 7th. The artists giving demonstrations will be Judy Bunner (metal clay), Anny Delk (felt beads), Chicqiela Elbert-Velazco (lampworking), Judy Kreiger Wand and Beth Wentz (metal jewelry).

Date and Time of Opening Artists Reception: May 7th, 2009 from 5 to 8 pm.
Demonstrations: 5:00 to 7:30 (one day only)
Duration of Bead Exhibit: May 1st to 31st
Where: ArtWorks Gallery, 301 S Walnut St, Muncie


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